The Gold Star tradition began during World War I, when American families searched for a way to honor loved ones serving overseas. In 1917, Army Captain Robert L. Queisser created the Blue Star Service Banner to represent his sons on active duty. Displayed in home windows, each blue star symbolized a family member serving the nation.

When a service member was killed, the blue star was replaced with a gold one — transforming the banner into a powerful symbol of sacrifice, loss, and honor.

That same year, President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized the Gold Star, authorizing mothers who lost sons in combat to wear black armbands with gold stars. The symbol soon became a national emblem of remembrance.

In 1928, grieving families formed American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., creating a community of support for those who had lost loved ones in military service. In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday of September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, later expanded to honor all Gold Star families.

Today, many states issue Gold Star license plates to recognize these families. More than identification, these plates serve as visible reminders of courage, sacrifice, and enduring love.

Each gold star represents a life given in service — and a family forever changed.